Maria Manguy

Maria Manguy, 75, of Chula Vista, CA passed away on March 23, 2016 at Villa Las Palmas in El Cajon, CA after a long illness. Maria, affectionately known as “Conchita”, was born to the late Sotero Huerta and María Montaño de Huerta on September 28, 1940 in Compostela, Nayarit, Mexico. She was the second of thirteen children. Conchita was known for her loving devotion to her mother. She spent her entire life ensuring that her mother was near her and well cared for. She also attended to her sibling’s needs, always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. In 1963, Conchita moved to Tijuana, Mexico where she met Samuel Chang Manguy. They were married in 1967 and had three children - Lilia, Diana and Samuel. They made their home in Tijuana, Mexico and Riverside, CA then settled in Chula Vista, CA for thirty-one years. Conchita was a small business owner, owning various restaurants and a clothing store. Her entrepreneurial spirit began in childhood when she hand made rag dolls to sell at her elementary school. As a little girl, she enjoyed helping her father bake bread and selling it at the town fairs. She grew up to be a tireless and energetic entrepreneur, constantly on the move, thinking of ways to improve her businesses. Conchita was always singing and was well known for her beautiful voice and passion for music. She would often be asked to sing at banquets and other family events. She was an excellent cook famous for her chiles rellenos, lengua, mole and pozole which were constantly celebrated by family and friends. She was able to fulfill her dreams of international travel. Conchita traveled to Hawaii, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and China. Not bad for a girl from a small town in Mexico! Conchita is survived by her three children, Lilia Manguy of Richmond, CA; Diana Manguy-Brooks of Carlsbad, CA; and Samuel Manguy of San Marcos, CA as well as her two grandchildren, Ryan Manguy and Anthony Manguy of San Marcos, CA. We will remember her for her beauty, style, sense of humor and exuberance for life. We will remember how she lit up whatever room she walked into. We will remember her as a strong and dynamic woman who was a force of nature. She was brave, fearless and unhindered by obstacles; she accomplished whatever she set out to do and saw only possibilities. She was an inspiration and role model to all who knew her and her spirit lives on in those who love her.